A Back To Basics Lent

Lent begins exactly one week from today. Yippee!!!  Yes, I love Lent, I need Lent, I can't wait for Lent.  I don't know about you but my brain is fried, more than usual. I know this is mostly due to social media and internet sensory overload. So lately I've been burying myself in books to get away from the internets.  I read about twenty books in five days. I am a self-trained speed reader in case you are wondering how I accomplished such a feat. My middle child commented that the way I read looks dizzying lol. Reading as much as I have done also meant I slept late and got up late, abandoned non-essential chores (there is such a thing!) and delegated more than usual (that is also a good thing).

The austerity of pioneer life in my readings has gotten me thinking about Lent. I feel so drawn to the simplicity of the olden days in contrast to the constant nagging for bliss in perfection in our modern world.  I even saw an ad for a devotional promising a "perfect" Lent!  Ugh.  That's when I nearly cast my laptop into the fiery chasm from whence it came (line from a movie).

Anyhow, the road to Easter has never been perfect in my life. Even the simplest penances I manage to bungle. So I am not perusing Pinterest this year for Lent ideas.  I am going back to what I know- the basics.  It helps that I have a first grader who is reminding me that I need to get back to the basics.

Here's the plan in the making:
My devotional - Lent and Easter Wisdom from St. Alphonsus Ligouri - I went back and forth between this and another wisdom series from Pope John Paul.  I really enjoyed the Advent and Christmas one.  But after reading the free sample I am veering off the JPII path just for Lent. 

What the kids are doing - The Jesus Tree Daily Readings and Coloring Pages from Jessica at Shower of Roses

On the tube/flatscreen - The Miracle Maker
This Side of Eden, I wrote a little bit about it here

At home -  Countdown calendar from Catholic Icing
Stations of the Cross votive -

 Stations of the Cross by Fr. Lovasik- by far my favorite Stations of the Cross, written for kids but stirs the hearts of adults. Love.

We are currently discussing our plans for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Happy Lent planning. Keep it simple!